Hand tool for opening chain links



P 1962 D. F. SNOOK HAND TOOL FOR OPENING CHAIN LINKS Filed Feb. '7, 1961 INVENTOR. Deva/rs E J/voa/r BY M 3,055,244 HAND TOOL FOR UPENHNG CHAN This invention relates in general to hand tools used by jewelers and watchmakers for opening chain links, and in particular relates to a tool which is especially suitable for opening the tiny frail links of a petite bracelet, watchband or the like.

Various types of jewelry and their associated chains, links, etc. are so small as to make the task of proper disassembly virtually impossible without the use of special equipment. For example, wrist bands of ladies watches are often connected by means of links which are exceptionally small and delicate, and furthermore have their ends or joints so concealed as to make them inaccessible. Unless handled with proper tools and high care these links are easily damaged or broken.

It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to open tiny chain links without marring or damaging them.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which can be used to quickly and simply open a chain link.

A further object is to provide a tool which can be so controlled by the user that a link can be spread only so much as is necessary to effect its removal.

An even further object is to provide a tool of the character described which is simple and inexpensive to construct.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of the preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to be understood, however, that variations in the showing made by the said drawings and description may be adopted within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to said drawings.

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention while in an open position.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation of the device shown in FIGURE 1, but in a partially closed position and acting upon a chain link.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the device shown in FIGURE 1 illustrating the operation on a connecting link of a womans watchband.

As hereinabove mentioned, the device of the present invention is adapted to receive a chain link, such as the link indicated by the numeral 11 in the drawing, and to spread open this link 11 from its initial closed position. In general terms, the invention includes a pair of jaws 12 and 13 pivotally connected by a fulcrum pin 14. These jaws 12 and 13 are disposed in substantially confronting relation and are respectively provided with lever handles 16 and 17 whereby the jaws 12 and 13 can be moved from and towards one another. It will be noted that the construction just described is essentially the same as that of a conventional pair of pliers.

Now, in the manner of the invention, a thin projecting wedge 18 is provided on the jaw 12 and extends towards the jaw 13. The jaw 13 has a slot 19 therein which is adapted to receive the wedge 18 therethrough when the two jaws 12 and 13 are closed together. Thus the link 11 can be placed over the slot 19 while the device is in an open position, and the jaws 12 and 13 can then be 3,552 Patented Sept. 25, 1962 closed together thereby spreading open the link 11 by the wedge action of the wedge 18.

In greater detail now, it will be seen that the slot 19 in the jaw 13 is made to closely surround the wedge 18 as it is passed through the slot. This feature is of great importance in working with very fragile links because if the slot 19 did not closely correspond to the wedge 18 the link 11 might easily be bent downwards into the slot thereby creating an undesirable deformation in the link. Furthermore, in this regard, a flat bearing surface 21 is provided on the jaw 13 and is disposed in confronting relation with the jaw 12. The surface 21 acts to support the link 11 as the wedge is thrust therethrough, and since there is a relatively negligible gap between the wedge 18 and the surface 21 all the downward force applied by the wedge to the link is transmitted to the surface 21 thus preventing any downward link deformation.

As further regards the construction of the wedge 18, it is preferred that the edges 22 and 23 thereof are rounded and made integral with the sides thereof. In this manner the possibility of scratching or marring the link is virtually eliminated. It will be seen that the edges 22 and 23 are tapered away from the jaw 12. Preferably, the edges 22 and 23 are tapered to a point 24, whereby it is possible to spread open even the very smallest links, provided of course that the slot 19 is adapted accordingly. Furthermore, it is generally desirable to have the edges 22 and 23 tapered substantially symmetrically whereby the downward forces on the link are distributed evenly between the two portions of the link on which the wedge bears. Finally, it is preferred that the wedge have its thin elongated lateral cross-section disposed with the longer dimension thereof oriented in the plane of pivotal movement, as is shown in the drawings. In this manner a watchband 26 or the like can be disposed transversely between the jaws of the device and can be easily manipulated as is best shown in FIGURE 4.

It is readily apparent that the wedge 18 could be provided as an integral member on the jaw 12. However, as illustrated in the drawing, the wedge 18 is preferably made separate and fastened to the jaw 12 by means of a screw 27. In this manner different sized wedges can be readily interchanged thus affording increased versatility for the invention. An even further advantage is provided by a pair of complementary grooves 28 and 29 disposed respectively adjacent the ends of the jaws 12 and 13 for the purpose of closing a link.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a device having only two moving parts parts which is capable of performing the operation of opening tiny fragile chain links in a simple, quick and safe manner.

What is claimed is:

l. A hand tool comprising, in combination, two pivotally connected jaws disposed in confronting relation and adapted for movement from and towards one another, means for moving said jaws with respect to each other, and a projection on a first of said jaws extending toward the other said jaw, said projection having a thin elongated cross-section in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of pivotal movement and substantially parallel to said first jaw, said projection having the longer dimension of said elongated cross-section thereof gradually reduced in portions thereof progressively further from said first jaw, said projection having rounded edges which are smoothly integrated into the sides of said projection, said other jaw including a portion thereof defining a thin slot adapted to receive and fit closely to said projection along said longer dimension thereof when said jaws are closed together, said other jaw having a med flat supporting surface in confronting relation to said first jaw and surrounding said slot.

2. In a hand tool for opening chain links, the combination comprising a pair of pivotally connected jaws disposed in confronting relation and adapted for movement from and towards each other, apair of handles connected respectively to each of said jaws to effect relative angular movement therebetween, and a projection on a first of said jaws extending towards said other jaw, said projection having a thin elongated cross-section in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of pivotal movement and substantially parallel to said first jaw, said projection having the longer dimension of said elongated cross-section thereof oriented in the plane of pivotal movement, said projection having its edges tapered substantially symmetrically towards said other jaw, said edges being rounded and smoothly integrated into the sides of said projection, and said other jaw having a fixed supporting A: surface in confronting relation with said first jaw and including a portion thereof defining a narrow slot disposed in alignment with said projection and adapted to fit closely to said projection along said longer dimension thereof when said jaws are closed together.

References titted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,087,565 Anderson Feb. 17, 1914 1,113,693 Rosenberg Oct. 13, 1914 1,117,558 Eno Nov. 17, 1914 2,220,317 Cynoske Nov. 5, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS 25,302 Sweden Aug. 22, 1908 

